20 Art Forgeries That Fooled the Experts

Dutch artist Han van Meegeren is famous for forging paintings that he passed off as works by Johannes Vermeer, notably The Supper at Emmaus. Experts hailed them as major discoveries, and one of them was even sold to a high-ranking Nazi official. The truth was not revealed until after World War II, when van Meegeren confessed to his actions to avoid charges of collaboration.

Elmyr de Hory created forgeries in the style of artists such as Picasso, Matisse, and Modigliani. His paintings were sold through galleries and eventually found their way into prestigious collections. His career highlighted the flaws in authentication practices in the field of modern art.

Beltracchi created paintings that he presented as previously unknown works by artists such as Max Ernst and Heinrich Campendonk. He invented highly convincing backstories and provenance records. His forgeries deceived the art market for decades before scientific analyses revealed inconsistencies.

British artist Eric Hebborn forged drawings attributed to masters of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. His works were accepted by major museums and auction houses. He later published a memoir in which he detailed his techniques and criticized the art world.

Keating created forgeries of works by famous artists, but concealed subtle flaws in them that he referred to as “time bombs.” These were intended to highlight the art market’s reliance on superficial authentication. Despite this, many of his works were initially accepted as authentic.

John Myatt painted in the style of famous artists such as Monet and Matisse, often using unusual materials. His accomplice provided him with false information about the provenance of the works, which allowed them to be sold as originals. This scam went on for several years before it was uncovered by the authorities.

An anonymous artist known as the “Spanish Forger” created illuminated manuscripts in the medieval style. These were widely considered authentic in the early 20th century. Experts later identified stylistic inconsistencies that revealed their modern origin.

Mark Landis donated counterfeit works of art to museums across the United States, often posing as a philanthropist. His works imitated those of artists such as Picasso and Walt Disney illustrators. Since they were donations, they were often not examined as closely as purchased pieces.

The Getty Museum has acquired a statue believed to be a kouros from ancient Greece. While scientific analyses have confirmed its authenticity, stylistic doubts have raised concerns. The statue’s authenticity remains disputed, making it one of the most controversial cases.

The Greenhalgh family produced a wide variety of forged objects, ranging from paintings to sculptures. Their works fooled experts and were sold to major institutions. Their ability to create convincing historical objects made their case particularly remarkable.

Ireland forged documents that he claimed had been written by William Shakespeare, including letters and plays. Experts initially considered them to be authentic. These forgeries were eventually exposed due to inconsistencies in style and handwriting.

Otto Wacker sold paintings that he claimed were by Vincent van Gogh. Many experts had initially authenticated them. A subsequent investigation revealed that they were forgeries, which led to a highly publicized trial in Germany.

The Vinland Map has been presented as evidence of the Vikings’ early explorations of North America. It was initially recognized as authentic by some researchers. Subsequent analyses, however, have suggested that it is a recent forgery, based on the ink used.

Pei-Shen Qian created paintings in the style of artists such as Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko. These works were sold through dealers, accompanied by a falsified provenance. This case became one of the most significant art frauds in U.S. history.

One of the Greenhalgh family’s most famous works was a sculpture sold as an Egyptian antique. It had been acquired by a museum and deemed authentic. The truth was not revealed until years later, after certain inconsistencies were discovered.

In 1984, sculptures presented as lost works by Amedeo Modigliani were discovered in a canal. Experts initially authenticated them. It later turned out that some had been created by students as part of a prank.

The Louvre acquired this gold tiara, which was believed to be an antique. It later turned out to be a modern creation made by a goldsmith. This incident caused embarrassment for the museum and highlighted the risks associated with inadequate verification.

Lessing sold paintings attributed to Dutch masters that were later revealed to be forgeries. Among the buyers were collectors who had relied on the documentation provided. This incident contributed to growing skepticism in the art market.

Malskat “restored” church frescoes in Germany, but in reality he secretly repainted them entirely. These works had initially been hailed as authentic restorations. He later confessed to the facts, thereby revealing the extent of the deception.

Although it is not a work of art in the strict sense, the Piltdown Man hoax consisted of completely fabricated fossils presented as a major anthropological discovery. It deceived scientists for decades. Its inclusion demonstrates just how convincing forgeries can be in misleading even experts in the relevant cultural fields.